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Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

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The old capital of Kamakura, accessible from Tokyo in one hour, is a destination filled with temples, cultural and historic artifacts, like the Giant Buddha, and seaside nature. Here is how you can reach Kamakura from Tokyo, with instructions and ticket fares depending on which station you use.

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How to Get to Kamakura from Tokyo

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

The old capital of Kamakura, accessible from Tokyo in just one hour, has a relaxed ambiance with its many temples, shrines, and rich greenery.

Tsurugaoka-Hachimangu Shrine, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms, Kotoku-in Temple with its Great Buddha statue (Daibutsu), and Hasedera Temple known for its elegant June hydrangeas are all found in the Kamakura area.

We introduce the easiest and best ways to reach Kamakura from Tokyo.

To get to Kamakura from Tokyo, we recommend using a Suica card (a prepaid IC card) for smooth travels (available to reserve online).

The Japan Rail Pass is also useful for those traveling between Tokyo and Kamakura and those making trips via Shinkansen.

Book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets
Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Take JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

Taking the JR Yokosuka Line is the fastest and simplest method to reach Kamakura. It goes directly to Kamakura Station from Tokyo Station. The ride costs 940 yen one-way and the ride takes around 57 minutes. You can take the same train from Shinagawa Station for 730 yen. Ride for around 47 minutes.

Take JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Shibuya Station

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

If you are taking the train from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro stations, you should take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kamakura.

The coastal area in Kanagawa Prefecture facing Sagami Bay is called “Shonan”, so the Shonan Shinjuku Line connects Tokyo and this area that includes Kamakura. It takes 63 minutes from Ikebukuro, 57 minutes from Shinjuku, and 52 minutes from Shibuya to reach Kamakura. The fare from all three stations is 940 yen.

Double Check the Train's Destination Before Riding

Please be careful not to go in the wrong direction when taking the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line.

If it’s bound for Zushi, Yokosuka, or Kurihama, the train goes directly to Kamakura. However, if the train is bound for Kozu or Odawara, you have to change trains at Ofuna Station and get on the JR Yokosuka Line. Please double-check the destination of your train before you get on.

You can catch JR Shonan Shinjuku Line trains on Platform 2 in Ikebukuro Station, Platform 4 in Shinjuku Station, or Platform 4 in Shibuya Station.

If You Want to Take the Local Enoden Train in Kamakura

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

If you want to visit not only Kamakura but also its surrounding areas or if you want to get off the train on the way to Kamakura and take a stroll, take the Enoden from Fujisawa Station.

The Enoden, or Enoshima Electric Railway, is a ten-kilometer long railway that connects Fujisawa Station and Kamakura Station in Kanagawa Prefecture. The train goes along the coast on a scenic route, allowing you to see some of the gorgeous scenery around the Kamakura area from the comfort of the train. From Fujisawa to Kamakura the ride takes 34 minutes and the fare is 310 yen.

Even though it is a small local train, Enoden has become very famous for its nostalgic atmosphere, which attracts tourists from all over Japan and even from overseas. Here is how you can get to Fujisawa Station from Tokyo.

From Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

If you want to go directly to Fujisawa Station, take the Odakyu Odawara Line Express bound for Fujisawa. It takes 56 minutes and the fare is 600 yen.

The Shonan Shinjuku Line Rapid Train will also take you directly to Fujisawa Station, but the fare is more expensive (990 yen).

From Tokyo Station to Fujisawa Station

Visit The Great Buddha: How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo

If you want to go from Tokyo Station to Fujisawa Station, take the JR Tokaido Line bound for Numazu or Atami. These trains go directly to Fujisawa Station. The fare is 990 yen and you can take the train from Platform 10. It takes about 50 minutes.

The Enoden is a local train that passes through peaceful residential areas and is perhaps one of the most scenic train routes in the Kanto area. Why not enjoy the nostalgic scenic route on the way to visiting the old capital, Kamakura?

If you would like to read more information on the Enoden and the surrounding area, please take a look at these articles:


All pictures from PIXTA

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